The playoff race makes a stop in Kansas City this weekend. It probably needed directions.

The Royals are on their way to yet another losing season, reduced to MLB afterthoughts since they hosted the All-Star Game – even as a second wild-card spot in each league has made contenders out of a whole new (middle) class of teams.

The Angels arrive in Kansas City needing every victory they can get to stay in the mix for one of those wild-card spots. They have already hosted the Royals twice this season, splitting six games in Anaheim.

Before following the scent of barbecue sauce to Kansas City, we checked in with long-time Royals beat writer Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star for some perspective on the Royals. Follow Bob on Twitter @Royals_Report.

1) The Royals are headed to their ninth consecutive losing season and 17th in the past 18 years. What’s different about this one?

A: I’m still living through this one.

Serious answer? It might be hard to tell from a distance, but the Royals are better. If they get two legit No. 3 starters in the off-season — which will be the first and only real priority — and they can think about winning the division in 2013.

I think Jeremy Guthrie (a pending free agent) is a legit 3, and the Royals have won his last seven starts. The defense and bullpen are well above average, the lineup is solid with growth potential. They just need some guys to keep them in games. Sort of like the Twins between Johan Santana and the last two years.

2) But the Royals have won 10 of their past 11 games against the top two teams in the AL Central, the White Sox and Tigers. What do you make of that?

A: The division is not very good. You just had a look at the Tigers. I think they’re the best team in the division, but they’re loaded with flaws. So, again, give the Royals a few reliable arms, and they’re a contender.

3) Eric Hosmer and Mike Moustakas have both had disappointing sophomore seasons. Has that changed the evaluation of what they mean to the Royals’ future?

A: Hosmer has been a disappointment, but I’d argue the point with Moustakas. I think this, roughly, is what he is — a guy who will hit .245-.275 with 20-plus-homer pop (not bad when playing half of your games at Kauffman Stadium). Plus, his defense is better at third than anyone but Adrian Beltre.

Hosmer really hit into tough luck for the first month or so. BABIP’s historical norms pretty much say it’s impossible to be that unlucky. Then he started pressing, expanded the strike zone, etc., because, I think, seeing those sub-Mendoza numbers in bright lights on scoreboards all around the league bothered him.

He’s hitting .264 since May 26 despite all that. Not great. Not what they expected. But not a horrible regression in the second year. (Will be curious to see if-and-how the league adjusts next year to Trout, who right now, is my MVP. And, yes, I have a vote.)

I think Hosmer bounces back next year. So do most scouts. No guarantees, though.

4) Twenty-one year old Triple-A outfielder Wil Myers has been named the Minor League Player of the Year by Baseball America and USA Today. Where does he fit in the Royals’ plans – and how quickly?

A: Wil Myers comes to camp next spring with the chance to win a job. Most likely in right field, but it could be center. He’s on the Hosmer/Moustakas plan. When the Royals think he’s ready, he’ll play somewhere. They’ll find someone to sit.

5) Okay – I love Gates, Arthur Bryant’s, Jack’s Stack and Oklahoma Joe’s. But what BBQ place are you Kansas City locals trying to hide from the rest of us?

A: Have you tried the McRib?

You’ve been here often enough that you’ve identified the major favorites. It’s not just barbecue, though. Steak here is better than anywhere in the league. Look, I grew up at the shore on the east coast. And I don’t order seafood here. Don’t you either. But … I’ve become a real steak snob after living here for 30-some years. My town is packed with great steakhouses, and you can get into big arguments here about which is best. My personal favorite is the Hereford House.

Pitching probables for the Angels-Royals series in Kansas City this weekend:

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